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Erin Gates

Millennials, those born between 1980 and 2000, are the second-biggest segment of home buyers, behind Generation X (those born between 1965 and 1979), according to a 2013 National Association of REALTORS® study about generational housing trends.

Real estate professionals told ABC News recently of some “must have” features that tend to be in high demand among young buyers. Some of those “must haves” include:

1. Updated kitchen and bath: “The primary reason young buyers seek updated kitchens and baths is because they have limited budgets,” says Jack Curtis, a real estate professional in Dublin, Ohio. “Most of their savings will go toward the down payment and furnishings. Kitchens and bathrooms are also the most expensive parts of a home to update, and young home owners cannot afford to sink a lot of money into those areas.”

2. Big kitchen with an open floor plan: “The kitchen has become the hangout room along with the family room,” says Lou Cardillo of The Lou Cardillo Team in Yorktwon Heights, N.Y. “An open space that can easily transition from kitchen to TV room is high on the list of the perfect home for young buyers. In essence, the kitchen is the new living room.”

3. Home office: “As technology continues to make us more mobile, young buyers have more options than ever to work from home, depending on their job,” says Paige Elliot, a real estate professional with Dave Perry-Miller & Associates in Dallas. “Having a dedicated space is important because it will help keep them focused and concentrated on work while they are at home on a Skype call, planning a presentation, setting up their workday or simply paying bills.”

4. Location: “My young buyers look for properties that are in proximity to public transportation and that have a good walking score,” says Margaret Szerlip, Real Estate professional at Sotheby’s in Newton, MA.

5. Technology: A home’s appeal can be increased if it has a strong mobile carrier’s signal or its list of Internet service provider options, says Cardillo. “Internet and cell service matters a lot to this generation, and they’re going to ask, so you need to have answers,” Cardillo says.

We Need Your House!!! This is a Supply and Demand Business and there is no supply!

Sotheby’s Newton, MA. Top Realtors, Supply and Demand

April 21, 2015EST Newton, MA.

Though the real estate market has improved, we still have one item holding it back from a full recovery – a robust supply of homes for sale. Demand has increased dramatically. At the same time, housing inventory is decreasing especially at the lower price points. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently revealed that there is apent-up seller demand caused by the uncertainty created by the housing crisis of the last decade.

What does that mean to you?

Houses listed today sell quickly. With prices still below peak values of 2007 in many parts of the country and mortgage interest rates at historic lows, this may be the perfect time for your family to make the move to the dream house you always wanted – whether that’s a larger home or that vacation/retirement home you have been looking at.

What does that mean to the economy?

Housing has always been an essential part of the U.S. economy. As we have reported before, real estate not only provides housing for families. It is often the greatest source of wealth and savings for many. The recent increase in real estate sales has led to an increase in real estate prices. This has increased the value of everyone’s’ home, whether they are selling or not. This leads to an increase in consumer confidence which in turn leads to an increase in consumer spending. Plus, each home sale automatically puts money into the economy. NAR compiled data from research conducted by the Bureau of Economic Analysis & Macroeconomic Advisors on the economic impact of a home purchase. After reviewing the data, they concluded that the total economic impact of a typical home sale in the United States is an astonishing $52,205.The more homes that sell, the better the economy.

Bottom Line

In order for the U.S. economy to get better, we need to sell more homes. Perhaps, it makes sense for one of those homes to be yours. If you have considered selling but are still a little nervous, now might be the time to sit down with a real estate professional familiar with your market and see what your options truly are.

3 CLIENTS ALL IN ONE ARTICLE IN THE BOSTON GLOBE

I was so excited to have this special little space I designed featured in the Boston Globe Magazine this weekend (shot by the wonderful Sarah Winchester)! This room was for a long time client (whose house is in my book) that needed a study space for her daughter as well as a second guest room, and I think we succeeded on both fronts!

A daybed from Restoration Hardware anchored the room and gave us ample floor space for the other elements we needed to incorporate into the space. We used Farrow & Ball’s Lotus wallpaper behind the bed for some drama and installed two brass sconces from Circa Lighting for ample direct reading light. All the pillows were custom as were the cuffed drapes.

In between the draped windows we used a tall skinny bookshelf for book storage ( lots of the accessories I found at Homegoods).

Across from the bed we used a West Elm dining table as a double desk so two chairs could face each other for when help was needed at homework time.

FOR SALE: 1592 COMMONWEALTH AVENUE, NEWTON, MA. $3,599,000

Sotheby’s Newton, MA. Top Newton Brokers 12:00PM EST

RESORT LIVING IN NEWTON:

This Georgian inspired colonial embodies all of the elements of intelligent design. Perfect home for family gatherings, large formal entertaining, and cozy evenings with friends. The enchanted garden-scape created by Sudbury design includes an in-ground pool, inviting hot tub, elegant plantings, stone walls, and wide patios, plus room for cooking & outdoor entertaining. This is a property that exudes a life of fun and sport… handsome billiard room on the lower level with a built-in dry bar, a Sauna, an enormous game room with custom storage, and a coveted MEDIA room with elevated platforms, leather recliners, surround sound, a seating area for snacks & popcorn & fireplace. Chef’s kitchen with all “Wolf” appliances, huge island dining & prep area; Family room with fireplace and double height windows; French doors and bay window Breakfast Room; Stunning dining room and Living Room; Mahogany paneled Library; Luxurious Master suite with a fireplace and heated floors in steam spa bath.

This Georgian inspired colonial embodies all of the elements of intelligent design. Perfect home for family gatherings, large formal entertaining, and cozy evenings with friends. The enchanted garden-scape created by Sudbury design includes an in-ground pool, inviting hot tub, elegant plantings, stone walls, and wide patios, plus room for cooking & outdoor entertaining. This is a property that exudes a life of fun and sport… handsome billiard room on the lower level with a built-in dry bar, a Sauna, an enormous game room with custom storage, and a coveted MEDIA room with elevated platforms, leather recliners, surround sound, a seating area for snacks & popcorn & fireplace. Chef’s kitchen with all “Wolf” appliances, huge island dining & prep area; Family room with fireplace and double height windows; French doors and bay window Breakfast Room; Stunning dining room and Living Room; Mahogany paneled Library; Luxurious Master suite with a fireplace and heated floors in steam spa bath.

Spring has finally arrived and it has brought a few more listings to the market. Inventory has increased from 92 to 108 homes for sale. While 20 additional homes are available we are still about 50% of a normal market. 31 homes have gone under agreement in the past 2 week with the 1.5-2 million dollar price range continuing to be the most active. There is also activity in the very high-end market. Only 14 homes closed in the past few weeks and that is a direct result of snow bound buyers and sellers during late January and February.

A stylish Colonial beautifully sited on lush grounds. This tasteful home was expanded and improved with a white chef’s kitchen, large island, high-end appliances and custom cabinets. A grand family room with fireplace adjoins the kitchen and breakfast area. Exceptional master suite with plentiful closet space and a beautiful 2014 bathroom. There are four additional second floor bedrooms, all generous in size with ample closet space and an updated bath. Third floor recreation room with full bath and abundant storage. Attached oversize 2 car garage. Walk to schools and express bus. Downtown Boston and Cambridge are a 10 minute drive and Logan Airport is accessible in 15 minutes. Showings can begin Tuesday 4/7/15 after noon.